F100. NY. Not very acquisitive. Reporting to SVP (head of M&A). What should I expect for comps? I’m offered 250 base and 20% cash bonus which feels like a lowball. Have heard that ~375 all-in should be the norm. Not offered equity component - should I push for it? How about signing bonus? Is this a thing for corp dev at my level? Any data points would be helpful. Thanks.
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Got an L6 corp dev offer at FAANG, and was north of 450k (ranges were from 400-500k). I've seen around 200-300k for F500s at non acquisitive non FAANG companies, so I guess it kinda makes sense?
Is this in New York or SF/Seattle?
NY, SF is higher by a significant margin based on what I've heard. Also, in corp dev, comp can be very variable, depending on a lot of factors (if you were brought in during heavy dealflow times, if you negotiate well, hidden bonuses etc etc). Been talking to a colleague at a very well known late stage startup who makes more than that at the same level, so there's definitely potential to make absurd amounts of money
Does being acquisitive vs non-acquisitive serve as an indication of the usual hours you tend to work? I could see the correlation being more acquisitions = more work, but as an outsider looking in (want to do CVC but understand many Corp Dev roles do this as part of their regular activities) I'm just trying to vet out the space.
Yeah, more deal cycles = more deadlines, evaluations, interfacing, post-deal stuff etc.
Got it, and during an interview how would one go about trying to see how busy the team is normally? (i.e. no beating around the bush and asking directly or is that seen as a weird thing?)
I think this is a lowball, for the rank below the head of corp dev comp should be at least 350-400k, especially in NYC. Would think the lack of equity component might make this a bit more digestible since you are getting all-cash comp, but also if you're joining at a mid-level, you'd ideally want to go to a company you have faith in anyway. Leaving as a Director 2 to head corp dev/M&A at a ~UMM portco with higher cash comp than this, and also have pretty equity options as well.
I’ve gotten 450 all in at high end, usually 350-375 of cash comp and balance is equity. It’s extremely variable and the cheap places will pay you sub $300 all in if they can.
It’s rare to find the places that shell out for corp dev so test and advocate for yourself before you make the leap
I feel like my VP role is not a true VP position since my head is a SVP and he reports to CFO (EVP). Is there room to negotiate comp? I assume there is salary cap on each title?
How much do you want to get paid to do nothing? That’s this gig.
Weak comp - especially for NY.
Sounds like Pepsi or some consumer company
VP of Corp dev for F100 should have some equity component
There’s a complete misunderstanding on this thread.
VP in banking is a far LOWER rank than VP of a F100. At the VP level in banking you would really be coming in as a “Director” level in a F100 not VP. The comp for a person that’s not leading the group and second in line and coming as a banking VP (assuming 10 years experience) is in-line with the comp you cited.
not from a comp but a seniority standpoint, VP in corporates is like MD in banking
I looked at a corp dev role focused on M&A/VC in second tier market at a F500 healthcare company. Cash comp was $450k plus equity.
I hate asking these direct questions, but given that role was for healthcare, do you believe individuals in equity research are able to make such a transition to M&A/VC roles within a healthcare corp?
This one was very focused on transactional experience so that likely wouldn’t work. Other places where it’s more strategy focused, maybe? Would still be an uphill battle as consultants are preferred in those roles.
You are getting lowballed. Corp Dev VPs at my company is at like 700K all in comp although it's very acquisitive.
Again, he's not a VP in corporate. A F500 VP is one step down from the c-suite. Not at all comparable to a banking VP.
We know that.. we’ve been in the industry long enough. Just so you are aware, there are title inflation in F100 too. These days you could have SVP and / or EVP between VP and c-suite.
Agree with the sentiment that it is low, but Corp Dev comp has high variability. Below is a recent comp survey for the VP level.
Is this the 2025 Lion Equity report? Could I PM you for a copy? I have the 2024 report, but about to negotiate comp for a new Corp Dev role and this would be helpful. Thanks
Currently at a MM and looking to exit to corp dev. We don’t deal with large corporates so hard to lateral with a client. Who are the best HHs? How to best approach PEs for a role?
Some updates. Turned down the offer and they came back with 300k base + 30% cash bonus + small equity component. But in the process with another PE backed company that offers slightly lower base but higher cash variable and huge equity component of 400-500k vested over 3 years
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